Recently, military observers both at home and abroad have focused their attention on the development progress of China's new generation aircraft carrier. According to public satellite images and multiple information analyses, the Chinese next-generation aircraft carrier, known as the 004 class, has entered the construction phase.
Satellite image of the 004 class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Asia Defense Security stated that the most remarkable feature of this aircraft carrier is the possible adoption of a nuclear power system, with a full load displacement of 110,000 to 120,000 tons. These pieces of information are true; the 004 class will become the largest warship built by a country in Asia, making China the third country after the United States and France to master nuclear-powered aircraft carrier technology.
From Refitting to Self-Construction: A Clear Path for China's Aircraft Carrier Development
Looking back at the development history of China's aircraft carriers, it is clear that we first learned and absorbed the technology, then embarked on a path of independent innovation.
In the initial stage, the Liaoning served as a platform for the Chinese Navy to initially master the basic rules of aircraft carrier operations and training; the completion of the Shandong marked that China had the complete capability for aircraft carrier design and construction; while the Fujian, which adopts electromagnetic catapult technology, has achieved technical synchronization with the latest U.S. aircraft carriers.
Now, the advancement of the 004 project indicates that China's aircraft carrier development is moving to a higher level. The application of the nuclear power system will completely solve the problem of aircraft carrier endurance, enabling it to truly possess the ability for global deployment.
From the perspective of technological accumulation, through the development of the 093 and 095 class nuclear submarines, China has already mastered relatively mature ship-based nuclear reactor technology, laying a solid foundation for the development of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Based on existing information analysis, the 004 class aircraft carrier may achieve breakthroughs in several aspects.
Firstly, the power system, the use of nuclear power not only means almost unlimited endurance but also provides more abundant power supply for the entire ship. This will reserve sufficient energy for future high-energy weapons such as electromagnetic rail guns and laser defense systems.
In terms of the aircraft takeoff and landing system, the 004 class is likely to continue improving the electromagnetic catapult technology. Compared to the Fujian, the 004 class may be equipped with a larger number of electromagnetic catapulters, significantly increasing the efficiency of aircraft launch.
At the same time, a larger deck area and hangar capacity will enable it to carry a wider variety of aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter, the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, as well as various special operations aircraft and drones.
In terms of onboard electronic systems, the 004 class is expected to be equipped with a new generation of phased array radar and integrated radar systems. These systems will have significant improvements in detection range, multi-target processing capabilities, and anti-jamming performance.
Combined with China's technological advantages in the field of information electronics, the command and control system of the 004 class is likely to reach world-leading levels. At that time, even the U.S. Ford-class would have to step back.
Estimated 044 and Ford-class
Systematic Operations: Coordination within the Aircraft Carrier Battle Group
Modern naval warfare emphasizes systematic combat capabilities. The value of the 004 class aircraft carrier lies not only in itself, but also in its role as the core of the maritime combat system. The future aircraft carrier battle group centered around the 004 class will form a multi-layered, three-dimensional combat system.
In the innermost layer of air defense and missile interception, the 055 class destroyers will serve as the main force. This surface ship, known as the "strongest destroyer in Asia," is equipped with active phased array radar and 112-cell vertical launching systems, capable of effectively intercepting various aerial threats.
The medium-range defense will be handled by the 054B frigates, whose optimized anti-submarine capabilities and medium-range air defense provide a reliable second line of defense. Underwater defense will rely on the 095 class attack nuclear submarines, whose quiet performance and detection capabilities can effectively counter enemy submarine threats.
This systematic combat approach reflects the maturity of China's navy in modern naval warfare concepts. It is no longer just a competition of single platform performance, but rather focuses on the coordination and complementarity of the entire combat system.
The development of the 004 class aircraft carrier reflects a profound transformation in China's naval strategy. With the globalization of national interests, China needs a blue-water navy capable of operating in distant seas to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes and protect overseas interests.
From a geopolitical perspective, the emergence of the 004 class will change the balance of naval forces in the Western Pacific. Its large aircraft capacity and strong sustained combat capability make it an important force for maintaining regional peace and stability. At the same time, the global deployment capability of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier also allows China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power in broader maritime areas and participate in international security affairs.
It should be particularly noted that China's development of aircraft carriers has always adhered to a defensive national defense policy. The fundamental purpose of aircraft carrier construction is to better safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, protect expanding overseas interests, and not for foreign expansion. This point can be verified by the practice of the Chinese Navy's far-sea operations.
Technical Challenges and Development Prospects
Of course, the development of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier still faces many technical challenges. For example, the ship-based nuclear reactors need to be smaller and safer, the electromagnetic catapult system needs to be more reliable, and there are many issues in the structural design of the large ship body, all of which require overcoming numerous technical obstacles. However, from the performance of China's military industry in recent years, these challenges are gradually being solved.
American media, based on current construction conditions, speculate that the 004 class aircraft carrier may be launched between 2028 and 2029. After several years of outfitting and sea trials, it is likely to be capable of combat in the mid-2030s. This time frame coincides with China's strategic goal of building a marine power.
Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier (CVN-78)
The development of the 004 class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is an important milestone in the modernization of the Chinese Navy. It not only represents the highest level of China's shipbuilding industry, but also reflects the comprehensive improvement of national strength. From the Liaoning to the 004 class, China has completed the development path of aircraft carriers that other countries took decades in just over a decade.
This leapfrog development is the result of deepened understanding of maritime rights and interests, as well as the responsibility of a major power to maintain world peace. With the future commissioning of the 004 class aircraft carrier, the Chinese Navy will truly have the capability for long-range continuous operations, better fulfilling the mission of safeguarding national interests and promoting world peace.
In the history of global naval development, the 004 class may witness the symbol of a maritime power's peaceful rise.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566449194660102697/
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